Definition

Noun: 1. A type of flowering shrub: Any of several deciduous shrubs native to Asia, belonging to the genus Corylopsis, which are cultivated for their ornamental, pendulous clusters of pale yellow flowers that bloom in early spring before the new leaves appear.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • The winter hazel is one of the first shrubs to bloom in my garden, signaling the end of winter.
  • We planted a winter hazel near the path to enjoy its delicate, fragrant flowers.
  • The botanical garden has a notable collection of different winter hazel species.

Advanced Usage

• In botanical or horticultural contexts: The term is used specifically to refer to plants within the genus , often noted for their early bloom time and use in landscape design for early spring interest.
  • For succession of bloom, gardeners often pair winter hazels with later-flowering rhododendrons.

Variants and Related Words

• Corylopsis (n): The botanical genus name for winter hazel.
• Witch hazel (n): A different genus () of flowering shrubs, also known for blooming in late winter or early spring. It is related but distinct from winter hazel.

Synonyms

• Flowering hazel: A less common alternative name.
• Corylopsis: The scientific genus name, used in more technical contexts.

Notes on Meaning

• The name "winter hazel" is somewhat misleading, as it typically blooms in early spring, not deep winter. The name likely originates from its very early flowering period, when weather can still be wintry.
• It is not related to the true hazels (genus ), which are grown for their nuts. The common name arises from a superficial resemblance of the leaves.

Noun

1. any of several Asiatic deciduous shrubs cultivated for their nodding racemes of yellow flowers that appear before the leaves